Thermostat Housing Bolts V220

[Danny DeVito]

Has any one got any idea how to remove the bolts from the thermostat housing because the heads are gone. I could drill the heads of but i am concerned that i may not be able to grip the screws with the vice grip. I guess they will unscrew once the pressure is off, but are they the type with studlock on them ? Any ideas thanks !

 

[Kendon]

What size are they? Do you have a set of easy outs?

 

[NW_Merc]

Get or borrow a set of irwin bolt removers

 

[Will]

No idea on the Vito, but is it difficult to remove the whole thermostat and housing complete? Might save a load of aggro in the long run if you can drill them out carefully

 

[nick mercedes]

No idea on the Vito, but is it difficult to remove the whole thermostat and housing complete? Might save a load of aggro in the long run if you can drill them out carefully

They're a mission to get at, like everything on a 638...

 

[Danny DeVito]

What size are they? Do you have a set of easy outs?

Don't have easy outs but the bolts are pretty small maybe 4 or 6 mmm shaft. Bear in mind too that the screws were so tight that the heads, previously undamaged , just fell to bits with the correct size torx bit. Thats why i think drill the heads clean off then let the housing off and try grip the shafts with the vice grip and with the head gone (i hope ) the pressure will be off leaving easy removal

 

[Danny DeVito]

No idea on the Vito, but is it difficult to remove the whole thermostat and housing complete? Might save a load of aggro in the long run if you can drill them out carefully

I'm not sure but i don't think i can remove the back section i will have to look into it. Either way it's moot as the heads have to come clean off.

 

[Danny DeVito]

They're a mission to get at, like everything on a 638...

I can vouch that , just changed the water pump and half the stewpid engine has to come of to get it out. I was trying to change the thermostat at the same time Now...MORE work and another day to do it. I will order bolts and report back when it's done ..Thanks Everyone

 

[Danny DeVito]

So just to finish at least one thread... I drilled the bolt heads and they came off within seconds. The housing popped out and the bolts unscrewed by hand. Result !. Sadly i had the wrong part in my hand. But joy to me i realised that the seal was missing from the stat from someone previously fitting a stat. I used an undersize o-ring and sliced the inner section all around and popped it onto the existing stat. Now it desn't leak and the temp is a steady 80oC. I hope this helps somebody else now bye !!